Newspapers Try 'Public Journalism'
To Expand Flagging Readership

RALEIGH, N.C. -- Late last month, editors at the News & Observer here sat around a conference table considering stories for the next day's front page.

They had many options, including proceedings in President Clinton's impeachment trial, the pope's U.S. visit, skyrocketing coffin prices after a devastating earthquake in Colombia, and a North Carolina state legislature race with a surprising twist.